Trump brags about planting Elon Musk drug abuse story in NYT — 'I made that happen'

Donald Trump has been talking on phone calls with his friends about Elon Musk, said Michael Wolff on The Daily Beast Podcast. Trump says he was the reason The New York Times published a story saying Elon Musk uses drugs.

The New York Times story, which was published in May, claimed Musk was using drugs like Ketamine, Adderall, Ecstasy, and Psychedelic mushrooms. Elon Musk denied the NYT statement.

Michael Wolff said he’s close with people who regularly talk to Trump and get to hear his real thoughts. Wolff explained that Trump repeats the same things to everyone he calls, so it’s easy to know what’s on his mind, as per the Daily Beast report.


On Monday night, Trump was ranting about Musk again, asking, “Do you think Elon is crazy?” and telling people “He takes drugs all the time.” Trump even claimed, “We dropped a dime to The New York Times on Elon’s drug taking.”

ALSO READ: Musk says Bannon’s headed back to prison for a long time as Trump feud turns ugly

Wolff admitted he doesn’t know if Trump’s team really was the source, but Trump is now taking credit for the leak. The New York Times said their article was based on interviews with over a dozen people who know or worked with Musk, plus private messages they got, as stated in the report by Daily Beast.

The White House didn’t respond when asked for comment. Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, said Wolff is a “lying sack of s--t” and “makes up stories”, as stated in the report.

Why are Trump and Musk fighting?

Elon Musk is angry about a massive spending bill that Trump is pushing in Congress. Musk posted online slamming the bill and Trump’s plans. Trump hit back, threatening to cut Musk’s government subsidies and send him “back to South Africa”, according to the report by Daily Beast.

Wolff said the Musk-Trump feud is now a “blood score”, which means it’s personal and serious. Wolff said Elon is so mad, he might even start a new political party if Trump’s bill passes. Musk said he might launch an “America Party” and promised to support new candidates who fight wasteful spending, as per the reports.

Musk is ready to spend money against lawmakers who vote for what he called “the biggest debt increase in history.” Trump wants this spending bill passed before July 4 and is calling for Republicans to unite, as mentioned in the Daily Beast report.

FAQs

Q1. Did Trump leak Elon Musk’s drug use story to The New York Times?
According to author Michael Wolff, Trump claimed he was behind the leak about Musk’s alleged drug use to The New York Times.

Q2. Why are Donald Trump and Elon Musk fighting?
Elon Musk is upset over a huge spending bill Trump supports. Their feud has turned personal, with threats and political clashes.